(Newser)
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Facebook closed its virtual doors to users for about 30 minutes yesterday, after the code for a handful of new products went public before those products had been rolled out, reports Wired. The 550-million-user site shut itself down between about 4:15 and 4:45pm ET. “For a brief period of time, some internal prototypes were made public to a number of people externally,” the site said.

The problem may have been with new features like “redesigned brand pages” and the “memories” photo section, noted Mashable. The site was vague on the details, but said it “had nothing to do with privacy or security.” Wired asks the big question: "Who makes the ultimate call to shut down a website with 550 million users? Who can push the kill switch?"

I just cant use facebook anymore due to its constant privacy lapses. Facebook just isnt secure enough and privacy is a huge concern for me.Ive been waiting for new social networking platforms such as MyCube and Diaspora, which seem very promising in terms of privacy and are necessary to make social media usuable once again

Cailtach

Dec 17, 2010 1:31 PM CST

Oh noes! People couldn't play Farmville for half an hour!

wiley14

Dec 17, 2010 11:48 AM CST

"Wired asks the big question: "Who makes the ultimate call to shut down a website with 550 million users? Who can push the kill switch?"" They do realize that Facebook isn't public property and they can do what they want whenever they want, right? Sad that some people go fanatical because Facebook goes offline for 30 minutes. GET A LIFE!